Readback: May 2012

March 2012 was another great edition. I enjoyed the discussion of the Santa Maria LOC DME (BACK CRS)-A approach (The Right Time to Descend), and I was happy to find that I agreed with your legal interpretation. However, I came to a different end conclusion.

Editorial Staff

Monday, August 04, 2014 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Pilots are strongly advised to adhere strictly to published instrument approach procedures, especially step-down fixes, even in good visibility or at night, to prevent Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) due to terrain and optical illusions.
Newer pilots are encouraged to proactively seek information, including asking ATC, to become familiar with unfamiliar airports and surrounding terrain, enhancing flight safety.
The article supports recruiting and encouraging older individuals to engage in aviation, highlighting the significant personal fulfillment and business benefits they can achieve.
Specific aviation tips include using compass deflection to confirm pitot heat functionality and being aware of potential inconsistencies in electronic flight bag displays regarding high-altitude navaids on low-altitude charts.

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Keeping It Up Longer
March 2012 was another great edition. I enjoyed the discussion of the Santa Maria LOC DME (BACK CRS)-A approach (“The Right Time to Descend”), and I was happy to find that I agreed with your legal interpretation. However, I came to a different end conclusion.

I applaud the pilot’s initial decision to ask for the approach in order to avoid terrain, but then to discard that decision based on seeing the VASI and runway is a setup for a classic black-hole CFIT accident. Just because you can see the runway doesn’t mean you can see the terrain. Your fist indication of terrain may be the VASI and runway starting to disappear—and by then it may be too late.